Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations
Published on: February 3, 2023
The hologenome theory of evolution contains Lamarckian aspects within a Darwinian framework
Eugene Rosenberg1, Gil Sharon, Ilana Zilber-Rosenberg
1Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel. eros@post.tau.ac.il
Abstract:
The hologenome theory of evolution emphasizes the role of microorganisms in the evolution of animals and plants. The theory posits that the holobiont (host plus all of its symbiont microbiota) is a unit of selection in evolution. Genetic variation in the holobiont that can occur either in the host and/or in the microbial symbiont genomes (together termed hologenome) can then be transmitted to offspring. In addition to the known modes of variation, i.e. sexual recombination, chromosomal rearrangement and mutation, variation in the holobiont can occur also via two mechanisms that are specific to the hologenome theory: amplification of existing microorganisms and acquisition of novel strains from the environment. These mechanisms are Lamarckian in that (i) they are regulated by 'use and disuse' (of microbes) and (ii) the variations in the hologenome are transmitted to offspring, thus satisfying also the Lamarckian principle of 'inheritance of acquired characteristics'. Accordingly, the hologenome theory incorporates Lamarckian aspects within a Darwinian framework, accentuating both cooperation and competition within the holobiont and with other holobionts.
Related Concept Videos
Evolutionary Psychology
The Evidence for Evolution
Hardy-Weinberg Principle
Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance
Gene Families
Occasionally these regions can be adapted to take on new roles within the organism, becoming novel genes...
Evolution of New Traits in Microbes

